Sowell takes Navy lacrosse head coaching job

Rick Sowell confirmed on Thursday that he will be the new head coach at Navy.

GoSeawolves.org

Stony Brook men's lacrosse head coach Rick Sowell resigned yesterday to accept the head coach position at Navy.

“I would like to thank Coach Sowell for his contributions to Stony Brook University and the men’s lacrosse program,” Stony Brook Director of Athletics Jim Fiore said in the press release. “With America East Conference championships, All-American student-athletes that he recruited and an incredible run to the NCAA quarterfinals in 2010, Coach Sowell has helped raise the men’s lacrosse profile to national prominence.

"Despite his departure, our goals and expectations do not change. We expect to find a head coach who will guide our program toward our goals of annually competing for the America East Conference Championship, a berth in the NCAA Tournament and competing for a national championship.”

“Rick has impressed us in a way that is consistent with the wonderful accolades we have received from those who have worked with him or coached against him over the years," he said in Navy's press release.

The loss comes as a huge blow to the Stony Brook program, which has thrived under Sowell's guidance in the past few years.

The Seawolves have had two straight undefeated America East seasons, winning an America East title and going to the NCAA quarterfinals in 2010. This year, Stony Brook lost in the conference championship game with one second left on the clock.

Sowell told Inside Lacrosse that though it was a difficult decision to leave Stony Brook, Navy is "a special place, to be quite frank."

Sowell leaves Stony Brook with a 47-26 (.644) record and an 86-81 lifetime record over 12 seasons as a head coach.

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Sam Kilb is a journalism major at Stony Brook University. He has been covering sports for several years, turning his passion into his career. Sam also serves as the sports editor for The Stony Brook Statesman, Stony Brook University's premier print publication. Contact Sam.